PoliSCI (w/e 5 April 2019)

Chemical industry calls for government to secure Brexit deal

The government is being urged by the chemical industry to secure more certainty over Brexit by agreeing to a deal, says the Chemical Industries Association (CIA). Leaving the EU without a deal would lead to ‘disastrous consequences for businesses and citizens on both sides of the Channel’, including the disrupted supply of goods, like medicines, they say.

‘The chemical industry urgently needs the government to agree a deal with the European Union that allows businesses to import and export as freely as possible, with continuity of regulation,’ says Steve Elliott, CEO of the CIA. ‘That outcome gives us our best opportunity to secure and grow business investment across the UK, which is critical to many communities as it provides jobs and money that is then spent in local areas.

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UK scientists win one-fifth of ERC research grants

Of the 222 advanced grants recently announced by the European Research Council (ERC), 47 (21%) have been awarded to UK-based scientists, with the grants totalling €540m. Of the grants given, 99 went to those working in physical sciences and engineering, 69 in life sciences, and 54 in social sciences and humanities. The ERC expect this round of grants to create 2,000 positions for postdocs, PhD students and other staff. To qualify for ERC advanced grants, applicants must be active, ‘exceptional’ researchers who have a track-record of research achievements in the last 10 years.

President of the ERC, Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, said: ‘Since 2007, the ERC has attracted and financed some of the most audacious research proposals, and independent evaluations show that this approach has paid off. With this call, another 222 researchers from all over Europe and beyond will pursue their best ideas and are in an excellent position to trigger breakthroughs and major scientific advances.’

Defra award £3m to innovative air quality projects

More than £3m of funding has been awarded to 28 projects that will improve air quality across England from the government’s Air Quality Grant – part of a £3.5bn plan to reduce harmful emissions and air pollution. Successful projects include a collaboration with local businesses to develop low or zero-emissions freight and campaigns promoting greater awareness of pollution from domestic burning to encourage people to make more environmentally-friendly choices.

‘While we know air pollution has reduced significantly in recent decades, it is still the top environmental risk to health in the UK. Today’s funding demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting the local momentum needed to continue to improve our air now and for future generations,’ said Environment Minister, Thérèse Coffey. ‘Local authorities are best placed to introduce systems that work best for their areas, which is why we are working closely with them to ensure they have the appropriate funding and support.’